England

 by William Wordsworth

England

O FRIEND! I know not which way I must look

   For comfort, being, as I am, opprest,

   To think that now our life is only drest

For show; mean handy-work of craftsman, cook,

Or groom!--We must run glittering like a brook

   In the open sunshine, or we are unblest:

   The wealthiest man among us is the best:

No grandeur now in nature or in book

Delights us. Rapine, avarice, expense,

   This is idolatry; and these we adore:

   Plain living and high thinking are no more:

   The homely beauty of the good old cause

Is gone; our peace, our fearful innocence,

   And pure religion breathing household laws.

To A Butterfly 

STAY near me---do not take thy flight!

A little longer stay in sight!

Much converse do I find I thee,

Historian of my infancy !

Float near me; do not yet depart!

Dead times revive in thee:

Thou bring'st, gay creature as thou art!

A solemn image to my heart,

My father's family!

Oh! pleasant, pleasant were the days,

The time, when, in our childish plays,

My sister Emmeline and I

Together chased the butterfly!

A very hunter did I rush

Upon the prey:---with leaps and spring

I followed on from brake to bush;

But she, God love her, feared to brush

The dust from off its wings.